Tara’s Story
The Dancing Should Never End
My experience at RSCDS Summer School in St. Andrews
by Tara Mactavish, Rosedale Senior Class
The first night’s Ceilidh was amazing. I was really nervous because, aside from being jet-lagged out of my mind, I had come to the quick realization that I was the youngest person there, and the only person from Toronto. I think people were surprised I was in the advanced class, but by the end of the first night I had made friends already; I think my enthusiasm during “Shiftin’ Bobbins” definitely helped. A couple from New Zealand actually invited my mom and me to their house the next day for a barbeque, and we spent three hours talking about everything from dancing to renaissance fashion. It was so surreal and just brilliant.
On Monday morning, I nearly fell out of bed as the sound of bagpipes came bursting through my open window. I thought my alarm clock had gone native, but then I realized it was a fellow dancer who practiced his bagpipes every morning at seven-thirty. It was the best “welcome to Scotland” ever.
My classes were amazing, thanks to my brilliant teachers, Antoine Rousseau and Anne Kennedy, and amazing pianist, Heulwen Hall. I was blown away by how much personality and energy a live musician can add to a class!
Every night there was a dance for all to attend, and I always made sure I was well rested so I could do every dance. This meant afternoon naps, but our rooms were so cute that I didn’t mind in the slightest! The best thing about the Younger Hall was that when you were standing still and everyone around you was dancing, the entire floor shook. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face; the feeling that you are part of something so big and special and floor-shaking never loses its magic.
On my last night, there was a huge party to celebrate the end of week 4 of the Summer School. The tiny party room was filled with people, drinks and food. In the corner was a small piano, and at 2:00 in the morning, someone sat down and began to play. I have to say, spontaneous dancing at 2:00 in the morning is one of the coolest things I have ever done. By the end I was laughing so hard that my sides were aching. I stayed up long after the dancing was over, talking with other dancers until the sun came up. I just didn’t want to admit it was over.
When people ask me about my trip to Scotland, I never answer the same way twice. There are too many stories, memories, and snapshots captured by my brain that I will cherish forever. I wish I could go back every year but, even if I don’t, I know the memories from this once will last me forever.
© 2014 RSCDS Toronto
RSCDS Toronto is affiliated with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. HM Queen Elizabeth is our Patron.
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